Frank Gore seems happy with Niners’ role

Running back Frank Gore stepped to the podium Monday for his first interview of training camp. Gore seemed happy and relaxed – if he’s the slightest bit annoyed or anxious about the additions of Brandon Jacobs and LaMichael James, he hid it well.

Jacobs and James, along with returning backup Kendall Hunter, give the 49ers uncommon depth at the position. Gore is still The Man, but he’s also 29 years old, and the difficulty for an every-down back to remain productive into his 30s is well documented.

For now, Gore isn’t fretting.

“It’s great,” he said of the new players at his position. “You can learn from each of them. … They’re great dudes. Brandon is big and strong, and LaMichael is very quick and fast. Kendall is a great player. They’re all pretty talented.

“That makes our team better, when you see good players at whatever position. That’s how you know how good your team is getting. I’m cool with it.”

One reporter asked Gore about Sunday’s practice, the team’s first full-pads workout of camp. The first play: a handoff to Gore up the middle, offering a signature snapshot of the 49ers’ go-to play in recent years.

And, yes, Gore noticed.

“I’m just happy to be back out there,” he said. “The first play was a good play we called, to give me the ball.”

Gore remained in good spirits in Monday’s practice. He burst through the line during one drill and raced through the secondary for a “touchdown.” On his way back to the huddle, while loping along the sideline, Gore smiled at three reporters and said, “I’m the best, dog.”

Davis’ progress: Head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke well of free-agent acquisition Leonard Davis, who is vying to start at right guard. Davis, an 11-year veteran who turns 34 on Sept. 5, didn’t play in the NFL last season.

“It doesn’t look like there’s any rust there,” Harbaugh said. “It speaks volumes for him, his ability to come in and get up to speed this fast. That’s really encouraging.”

Davis brings plenty of size, at 6 feet 6 and 375 pounds.

Briefly: Randy Moss made a couple of nice catches in practice, showing that his size and long reach still present problems for smaller defensive backs. … Patrick Willis had one interception and one strip. … Michael Crabtree missed his third consecutive practice because of an injury to his right leg.